WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
They say that opposites attract. While this may very well be true in certain cases, the actual factors which go into determining this dynamic can be quite varied. Of course, whether said opposites might attract, can they actually connect meaningfully? Well, that can be an entirely different story! Filled with potential obstacles that could either strengthen or split a relationship, it seems sometimes you simply have to dive in and let fate have its say. Struggling sitcom writer Jack (Ryan K. Scott), stopping by a local coffee shop before embarking on a trip overseas, gets unexpectedly “liberated” from an awkward situation by a beautiful Portuguese woman, Maria (Jeannette Sousa), with whom he soon finds himself engaged in conversation.
Realizing an initial, undeniable connection, they begin to explore more deeply who they are individually, presenting themselves in the most fanciful and romantic ways. But, as their bond grows and decisions are made to move forward, circumstances start to counter the perfect picture they’ve conjured. Maria’s quirky, superstition-based beliefs and practices soon have Jack reeling from confusion and misunderstanding, added to the fact that Maria’s parents, Anna (Claudia Ferri) and Jose (Joaquim de Almeida), have conflicting ideas in what to think about a foreigner amongst them. When Jack’s writing partner, Wilson (Vik Sahay), begins pointing out how distracted Jack is from work, and a questionable but trusted source puts doubts into Maria’s head about the union, can a future ever truly be assured for them?
Next, my Mind:
Anchored by the real-life husband/wife writing team of Scott and Sousa, plus the excellent direction by John L’Ecuyer, the film breathes refreshing (and needed!) life into the modern romantic comedy. Briskly paced and cleverly delivered, it looks at cross-cultural relationships and the elements that can both build and challenge their development, doing so with hilarity, pathos, and crisis all painting the greater picture of heartwarming “firsts” and potentially heart wrenching endings. Additionally, perhaps, this atmosphere could be more realistically perpetrated, purposefully hysterical situations and all, thanks to the fact that the material was created by an actual cross-cultural couple. Of course, this can then make one chuckle in wondering what aspects of the tale are actually pulled from their own courtship experiences.
Given their real life relationship, Scott and Sousa truly are perfect in playing Jack and Maria. Scott’s Jack is presented as the confident, but somewhat cavalier, Hollywood type who’s looking to try and get life in order again during a slump, while also being shown as someone who’s made relationship mistakes and perhaps has some initial hesitancies when it comes to true commitment. Sousa’s Maria is a picture of amazing beauty with a seriously sharp personality that’s both intelligent and romantically vulnerable, yet perhaps influenced too easily at times by other’s opinions, whether it be family or friends, when making certain decisions. So when the two come together, it’s no wonder the characters create such entertainment and chemistry together, which makes for a superior romcom.
Solid, equally funny and serious supporting turns by Ferri, de Almeida, and Sahay all add to the proceedings and so, in total, “A Date With Miss Fortune” furnishes a fantastically fun piece of indie filmmaking that illustrates contemporary love, the ramifications of challenges, the lessons of acceptance, the importance of traditions, and ultimately, the power of choice.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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